Top line
The latest trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” was abruptly recalled for using fake quotes from film critics. The film’s distributor, Lionsgate, subsequently apologized to Coppola and the critics quoted – many of whom are well-known figures in the film criticism community.
“Megalopolis” hits theaters on September 27. (Lionsgate via AP)
Key data
The trailer, released Wednesday, included disapproving quotes from reviews of critically acclaimed films such as “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” – all directed by Coppola – in what appears to be an attempt to promote “Megalopolis” as a film that may initially divide critics but will ultimately stand the test of time.
The quotes were fabricated and do not appear in any of the cited reviews, Variety reported, noting that a review by film critic Owen Gleiberman of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” was misquoted and was actually written while he was working at Entertainment Weekly.
Vulture also confirmed falsely quoted reviews by film critics Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris. Kael and Sarris were falsely quoted as saying that The Godfather was “detracted from its artistry.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson told Forbes in an email that the trailer would be recalled immediately. “We screwed up,” and attributed the error to an “inexcusable error in our review process.”
The trailer also contained false quotes from critics such as Roger Ebert, Vincent Canby and Rex Reed.
Get text alerts for Forbes breaking news: We’re launching text alerts to keep you up to date with the day’s biggest headlines. Text alerts to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Key quote
“Even if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like critics, we hardly deserve to have words put in our mouths,” Gleiberman told Variety. “On the other hand, the trivial scandal of the whole thing is that the entire ‘Megalopolis’ trailer is built on a false narrative.”
Important background
The backlash over the trailer is just one example of the controversy “Megalopolis” has endured ahead of its Sept. 27 release. The film, starring Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel and Aubrey Plaza, struggled to find a U.S. distributor after its controversial premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May. “Megalopolis” has reportedly scared off potential distributors who called it “completely insane” and said there was “no way to position this film.” Coppola was also part of the controversy surrounding the film and was accused of attempting to kiss female extras on set, according to The Guardian, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the film’s production, although “Megalopolis” co-producer Darren Demetre said in response to the report that there had been no “complaints of harassment” regarding behavior on set.
More information
Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ Explained: All the Hype and Controversy Ahead of the Film’s Cannes Premiere (Forbes)
Francis Ford Coppola’s controversial film “Megalopolis” finally finds a US distributor after months of struggle (Forbes)
Lionsgate takes “Megalopolis” trailer offline due to fabricated critic quotes and apologizes: “We messed it up” (Variety)
